Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble

We’re a performance group that focuses on music from West Africa, featuring djembe and dunun drums, Fulani Flute, balafon, and more. Hear our new CD, check our concert calendar, give an mp3 gift card, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter…Thanks for visiting!

Recent News & Muse

The passing of a master: Fadouba Oulare 1935 - 2010

posted by Dave Kobrenski in World News on February 3, 2010
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One of the world’s great djembe players, Fadouba Oulare, of Guinea, West Africa, passed away this month. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fadouba’s family; this influential and charismatic performer and musician will be missed by many.

Fadouba Oulare was the first djembe player from Guinea to be recognized throughout the world. A founding member of and first djembefola for Guinea’s national drum and dance group, Les Ballets Africains, Fadouba performed worldwide for more than 20 years. As a cultural historian, his teaching has influenced countless students, and his work in preserving the traditional music of Guinea is immeasurable.

He is survived by 3 wives and 34 children.

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About Black Bear Moon

Since 2001, the Black Bear Moon Music and Cultural Project, based out of the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire, has been dedicated to promoting healthy, vibrant, and diverse culture through music and art. Over the years, this goal has been achieved in our communities through ongoing series of various events, such as classes, workshops, and performances of traditional West African djembe and dunun music, in addition to the artwork of founder and director Dave Kobrenski.

As both passionate students and dedicated teachers of music, we have traveled the world to study with renowned masters such as Famoudou Konate, of Guinea, West Africa, and Nii Tetteh Tettey, of Ghana, learning musical skills and timeless cultural traditions that enable us to have a role in the preservation of some of the Earth’s vital cultural diversity.

In addition to classes that focus on the djembe and dunun music of West Africa, from cultures such as the Malinke, Susu, and Baga of Guinea, and the Ga of Ghana, and many others, the BBM Rhythm Ensemble is a new performance group that presents the traditional music of West Africa with lively, upbeat performances.

We welcome your comments, questions, and feedback as you browse our site!

 
Best of NH 2009: Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble